The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1887-03-19

sician talked of paralysis of the optic
nerve, thought time. or electric treat
ment. when he had somewhat recov-
cred from the shock, might be bene-
ticial, but" said the letter, MIR.
Carlton does not get better, he seems
to have lost all interest in life." Then
the writer went on to give the other
news of the village, but Ellice did
not read it. Hastily prepared for a
journey, and when the next train left
the station, It bore her in the direc
tion of Shafton.
The rosy bushes chased each other
over herOtherwise pale cheeks when
ever she thought of her errand, but
she did not falter, even when she
rang the bell at the "Squire's'' and
was ushered, by the prim house.
keeper into the empty parlor. Her
heart beat tumultously as she heard
the slow, uncertain step come down
the stairs, and the hand grope for the
knob of the door. He came in and
clssed the door, and then stood NOV
ing his head from side to side, as if
looking for some one.
II beg PARDON" he said at last, for
EIlice did not speak, "but does any,
one wait 10 see me? l am blind"
Yes, Roy" Ellice answered in a
checked voice, putting out her hand
to lead him to seat. 1t was the first
time she had ever called him by his
given name, and she saw the light
fash over his face.
"E!lice, oh, my darling!" he ex-
claimed, then he stammered, "for.
give me, Miss Gray, that forgot for
moment. It:was very kind of you
to come"
II fear you will think the motive
selfish, when l have given you my
reasons for coming" she replied,
struggling bravely for composure as
she sat down beside him. Then, "the
train leaves Tn two hours, and | must
return, so you will pardon ne if am
somewhat abrupt in naming my er-
rand ?"
"Certainly," he replied, courteous
ly.
"Well," said his visitor. somewhat
weakly, striving to gain time, now
that the decisive moment had come,
"the fact Is. am thinking of getting
married."
"Ellice," he said, brokenIy, "it
was cruel to come here 10 tell me that.
Did you think / had still any hopes
that you cared for me, that you
should come here to kill them with
that ann0uncement ?"
NO" she replied, and then, as no
other words would come, sat staring
helplessly at the pale face, as he lean
ed against the cushions of his chair.
Presently she arose and stood beside
him, letting her fingers toy with the
crisp, dark curl5 that shaded his
brow.
Roy" she whispered, hurrying
into speech. lest her courage should
fail, Roy, don't you know | love
you better than any one else in the
world: l loved you then, but love
you an hundred times more now.
My life has been one long regret ever
since. L came here to-day to ask you
to marry me, Don't refuse me, Roy.
l have suffered enough for my mis-
take and | love you"
"Oh! Ellice," he cried, between
pain and pleasure, show can | con-
sent? 1t would be such sacrifice"
II know it, Roy" she answered,
willfully misunderstanding him,
"when you are worthy of the best
woman living: hut only let me be
your wife, and will try so hard to
make you happy"
II am blind" he murmured, hope.
lessly.
"Let me be your eyes. Oh? Roy"
she sobbed, turning away and cover
ing her face with her hands, don't
send me away. | cannot bear it.
cannot live without you"
He was silent for a moment, then
he arose and turned toward her.
81 seems unmanly to accept your
sacrifice, Ellice," he cried, "but my
life is so dark, and" his voice grew
infinitely tender, II love you so, come
to me, little one," holding out his
arms, "for | cannot see YOU"
Then, as he clasped her to his heart,
and kissed the warm lips SO near his
own. he whispered:
81 never knew before what q de-
privatiOn the loss of sight is."
And how soon can We be mar
ried. darling ?" he asked, as she was
about to leave him.
"Wheneyer YOU wish, Roy" she
replied.
"Really?"
"Yes. really" she answered.
To-day. them" said he, prompt
~.
"Oh, well. not quite 80 soon as
that" she said, laughing. "but in a
fortnight, perhaps; yes, two weeks
from to-day"
at will be an age" he declared,
kissing her goodbye, "for l cannot
even write to YOU"